Bethel passes seismic testing law

Royce Road mall discussed

By FRITZ MAYER

KAUNEONGA LAKE, NY — If the operators of thumper trucks or shaker trucks want to go rumbling down any town roads in Bethel, they will now have to get a permit from the town before proceeding and, most likely, post a bond as well.

The town board passed a law at the town meeting on November 20, after a public hearing in which no one spoke against the law.

The seismic testing trucks send shock waves deep underground, which are then recorded by equipment at ground level to project an image of subterranean formations that might hold deposits of gas or oil.

The last time such trucks were used on Bethel roads was in the late 1980s, and, according to councilman Ted Yeomans, many residents at the time complained of damaged foundations, broken stained-glass windows and other ill effects. Even though most of the problems were not actually related to the seismic testing, the permits will allow town officials to maintain some control over the process.

Councilman Robert Blais said of the testers, “Last time they came through, they didn’t need permission from anybody.”

The fee that will be charged has not yet been set, and the bonds that will be required will be based on the specific roads the testers wish to use. Through the permitting process, the town will also be able to determine such details as the hours of operation and the proximity to such facilities as public schools.

In another matter, lawyer Gerald Orsek asked that the board voice support for Royce Road to be designated as the location for the entrance to a new shopping mall planned for Route 17B next to the Citgo station. Supervisor Dan Sturm replied that the matter was to be considered by the planning board and the NYS Department of Transportation (DOT). Orsek said the DOT was likely to approve of the plan because all of the traffic studies had been done.

Resident Regina Murdock, however, said that the DOT had requested answers to a number of questions in regard to the studies, which as yet had not been provided. Murdock is working with a group, Royce Road Alliance for Responsible Development, and is opposed to having the mall entrance placed on Royce Road.

Sturm said he would communicate with the planning board on the matter.

On the matter of Bethel Woods, a resident questioned whether the stop signs in front of the facility were legal. Constable Ray Neuenhoff answered that the two stop signs were not legal and offered to pick them up and put them in the trunk of his patrol car. Sturm said that a letter to the organization about the matter would be more appropriate.

Overall, relations between Bethel Woods and town officials are proceeding smoothly, and the board voted unanimously to allow Sturm to sign the final agreement with the facility to construct the sewer extension that will connect the venue to the town’s sewer. Construction is due to begin any day and may be complete before next summer.